Sea squill
Drimia maritima · Asparagaceae
📷 Someone35 · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Bulbe hautement toxique par ingestion pour chiens, chats et humains ; provoque troubles cardiaques et gastro-intestinaux graves.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sea squill: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Drimia maritima
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Form
- Bulb
- Mature height
- 40 cm
- Flowering
- June to July
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Moderate (mild climates)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and North Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant the bulb in very mineral-rich substrate; stop watering from June to August during dormancy.
The common mistake
Watering it during summer dormancy, or giving it rich soil.
The pro's trick
In July-August, the foliage turns completely yellow—that's normal and desirable.
Care
Watering
Sea squill is a very drought-tolerant plant. Water moderately during the growing period (spring-summer) and reduce drastically in fall-winter. Let the soil dry between waterings. The bulb fears stagnant moisture: ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot.
Light exposure
Place sea squill in full sun to promote generous flowering. It tolerates hot, sunny areas without stress. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial, but lack of light will reduce flowering.
Soil and potting mix
Well-draining soil is essential for this bulbous plant. Choose a light and porous mix (sand, gravel, light potting soil). In pots, use a special cactus or succulent potting mix enriched with perlite. Avoid compact or clayey soils that promote rot.
Fertilization
Apply balanced, diluted fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. One application per season is generally sufficient. During dormancy (fall-winter), do not fertilize. Mature bulbs produce their flowers without intensive feeding if the soil is correct.
Pruning and maintenance
No actual pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers to direct energy back to the bulb. Allow foliage to yellow naturally at the end of summer before removing it: this process replenishes the bulb's reserves for the next season.
Diseases and pests
Sea squill is generally very hardy against pests and diseases. Excess moisture is the main issue, causing bulb rot. Ensure optimal soil drainage and air circulation. In pots, elevate the bulb slightly in the potting mix to reduce risks.
Did you know?
Sea squill has been used since antiquity: ancient Egyptians and Greeks employed it as a remedy and natural insecticide. Its bulky bulb and spectacular flowers earned it the nickname 'sea onion' because of its resemblance to a giant onion. Today, it remains a plant of choice for Mediterranean climate gardens, symbolizing hardiness and adaptation to arid environments.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.